Pent noses around for Ami,
Ami:"Hey. You good? Cat good? K."
Ami looks up at Pent, defiantly smiling with his eyes.
He holds up a rusty red cord, with 4, no 5, bloody nose rings on it. He jangles it twice with pride.
He will allow the gnome to look, but not touch, his gnoll trophies. He is quite proud of them.
Pent leans in a little to look at what Ami dangles. He tries to understand what he's looking at. He finally catches on, imagining that Ami's excursions and the number of rings must mean something when put together.
Trophies, eh? Need something to remember the thrill of a kill, will you look at that...
"Huh." Pent smiles, and claps his hands together. He thumbs his hands towards the door, and proceeds to follow his hands' instructions to excuse himself.
...
"You see, Sir Pent, if that is what you prefer. 'Lord' is more a term of endearment for those I serve. It is quite apparent you are no 'Lord'. I will of course call you whatever you wish, within reason."
Pent taps his lip, debating his renaming. "Yeah, 'Lord' isn't the word. You need a word, eh? Hmmm. Well, you could go with 'Hissss Gnomesty', or you could go with 'Ser Shrimp', or you could go with 'Sereptitious', or you could go with 'Knighty-Knight', or you could go with 'Sir Up-To-No-Good'... no, I think I'd rather you just call me 'Pent', and if you need to be a little more formal, then go with 'Friend'." Pent smiles broadly, then turns serious.
"I've never had anyone prepare me my food, let alone as resplendent as what you've been so kind to provide us, with your cornucopia of skills, and I don't mean this with any offense, I really do, but if we're going to sit down to regular meals, we have to trust you not to poison us. Do you have any skill with poisons? We know you have skill with food, but it would ease my mind if you were also skilled with poisons."
...
Pent looks Otah over during dinner. "So, other than chopping chitterers, what are your passions in life, Dwarf? There's a lot of sand out in this neck of the not-woods, but not a lot of stone. What would you choose to do? Remember our conversation earlier? I think you and Maddie could hit it off if he decided to wander back to the pillars." The gnome turns around to the other table rabble.
"I don't think we've ever sat down, and gotten to know each other, like where we came from and where we're going. And now we have a house, to be shared and cared for together. I would know about you all a little more, if you're in the mood to share. With such good food, I can't imagine you not being amenable to storytelling."
Aldebert shovels a bit more food in his mouth and watches Pent.
I should be doing that. Be all diplomatic and such. Mmmm this is good.
He quickly loses himself in the next course...
At the fancy dinner
Mahdi can't decide whether he has finally been rewarded-- been given his dues-- at the excellent treatment from their new major domo.... or whether the man's up to something. Long years as an apprentice made him suspicious, okay.
...food's good, though. If a little undercooked. Mahdi discreetly singes some of his food.
***
The next day, Mahdi experiments with setting coins on fire. A bent copper piece makes a fantastic example of how to open a permanent, if harmless, conduit to the Plane of Fire, and create a representation of flame that yields light, but does not destroy. This seems... very useful. If slightly expensive.
Mahdi leaves a note in their common room that says I NEED RUBIES. FOR SCIENCE. RUBY DUST REALLY. -MAHDI
With this important thing done, Mahdi spends a bit of time each day in writing scrolls, and also in checking on the emir, Haidar.
Fredrick nods and smiles at Pent, but says nothing more.
Ami sets down his cord of nose rings right next to his food plate. He gorges himself, stopping every once in a while to scoop off heaps of human food to the floor for Yeen before serving himself again from the common food plates.
Ami listens as people talk, only uncovering his mouth to eat. His facial scarf parts briefly to allow food in, and he keeps it covered for the rest of the meal.
Yeen prowls outside the door to the dining room until Door Stop opens it, the rushes through. He jumps onto the table, Yowls in plaintive protest of the indignity of not being included, stalks past the table proudly to lay nearby, but *inside* the room. smells burnt anyway...
"Hey, Odie!! We haven't had a heart-to-heart yet, and I'll bet your heart is pretty large, for what you just did, barging in on the glomeray with us. What's the story with your boss, is he still your prime objective, or are you moving on? I'm speaking with Almah pretty routinely, so just let me know if you're fixing for work around these parts. I might be able to find out things for you. I know Mahdi's interested in traveling back to this temple out east, where there's this air that snares and bares your cares..." The gnome looks off, as if remembering something profound... "You should totally ask him if he needs supervision, since he's so squishy, you know, without all that armor... kinda like me..."
"I like to think my heart is large and mighty, small friend! My concern for Thomas is as a prior employer, and not wishing to burn bridges in my resume, so to speak. I might have already offended him, however, by calling him the many names he deserves for his stupidity. Idiot." Otah thinks for a second as he ponders the rest of the gnome's question. "I did not make enough here to cover expenses to wherever it is I'm heading next, so free room and board while I gather savings seems useful to me here. I am, of course, an adventurer by heart, and a polearm tactician if you need such services. And let me make it amply clear, I wish to go out with anyone on their adventures. I cannot write my manual if I never have a chance to apply my techniques against superior forces."
"I hope the meal has been to my Lords' satisfaction. I regret that fresh greens could not be procured. If I may, a small garden on the manor grounds would be most welcomed."
"Meat son. More meat. Greens are good, but meat is better. Can you put cattle on the grounds too?"
"So, other than chopping chitterers, what are your passions in life, Dwarf? There's a lot of sand out in this neck of the not-woods, but not a lot of stone. What would you choose to do? Remember our conversation earlier? I think you and Maddie could hit it off if he decided to wander back to the pillars."
"I will join you if you wish to return to the pillars!" Otah looks excited. "My passion is, likely barbaric to you, the fight. Not in the killing, but in the discovery of what works and what doesn't. Not many dwarves use the horsechopper, and it's my desire to write an almanac on it's uses."
"Meat, son. More meat..."
Pent pokes his knife at Otah, then Fredrick. "Listen to the dwarf, good man. He knows the hierarchy of the edibles. Sun that meat well, and you'll not hear much of complaints from Odie and me, and Maddie makes three." Odie understands words, as does Maddie. That's good. Good to have words that don't start from my own skull's echoes. Gotta mix 'em up. As for Freddy, he knows when to use 'em, and when to smile. I like him already.
"My passion is, likely barbaric to you, the fight. Not in the killing, but in the discovery of what works and what doesn't..."
"Well, killing is the barbaric part, isn't it? If you fight to subdue, and provide your opponent the opportunity to realize where their life may have strayed too far, well then, you've done your duty. Let's say you're facing off against Haidar, our resident wereleopard. We did him the kindness of not killing him, so as to renew his life's work of redeeming himself, as Sarah would want. If he was beyond redemption, like Xulthos, well then, your duty focuses on making sure there is no more destruction and death you allow by letting something like that roam the earth still. Make sense? Makes sense to me. Sarah gives me healing for that very reason. Some opponents deserve unconsciousness and restraint, not death." Pent finishes a cup of something, then looks back to the dwarf.
"You sound like you know the difference. Let's pray you always see it. Taking life to defend life, that's not always so easy to suss out the sides of that line. Which side of the horsechopper do you use to just knock your opponent out?"
Fredrick smiles.
"I'm afraid there is a very limited supply of meat available. A stew could be prepared with the scraps if you like."
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A series of sand colored scarves float through the open banquet doors. They gather at points, overlapping to form a desert vista. As Quinn enters she begins to sing.
"Amid the desolation there were the remains of a once proud settlement. Though the gnolls stood strong, there were heroes to be summoned. An illusion forms among the sand colored scarves. Silhouettes of the initial party can be seen arriving to meet with Almah. They arrive to cleanse the desert. To fight off the gnolls. Exploring lost treasures. As Quinn flicks further scarves into the air, the browns are met by fiery reds. Illusory representations of the monastery, the wilds of Kelmarane, and the Battle Market appear. Along the way enemies were slain. Mysteries were encountered, and heroes were made. Suddenly the browns shift to blacks and the illusion shifts to the ruined temple grounds. But beneath the holy temple awaited not the holy light, but the corruptor Xulthos. An exaggerated battle is depicted among the passages of the underground tunnels, formed by the darkened scarves. Small figures of everyone present are seen climbing down the well, with the fiery angels standing guard. A great fight was had as a new comer showed his worth. With that you can see the illusion focus in on a dwarven figure fighting a giant moth. Though not all are well, the evil was defeated."
With the ending of her song, you can see the sadness in Quinn's eyes. Ever the accomplished court performer, whatever she is feeling doesn't impact the show as the scarves brighten - returning to the sandy tones. Blue scarves flick from Quinn's gentle hands as the illusion shifts to Kelmarane and a vision of its restoration. Caravans can be seen arriving in miniature, crossing over the bright blue of the river via a now crowded bridge. As she backs her way from the banquet hall the scarves slowly follow, the illusion shifting to a picturesque sunset before vanishing completely.
Mahdi appreciatively watches Quinn create the beautiful (and ego-flattering) illusions. When she has finished, he rises from his seat and heads after her.
"Quinn," he calls once out the room. "What of your brother? Is he... better?"
At one point Aldebert looks up from his work and stretches. He casually leafs through the household ledger and frowns.
He gets up and seeks out Otah.
"Sorry to bother you, but you haven't said what you want in the house as yet. I want to make sure we get you setup the way you like before we run out of cash." he grins.
"So what do you think? Did we miss anything obvious? Anything special you need? Maybe a wardrobe for all your pole arms?"
- - -
He's amazed at Quinn's display. Wow. Clearly Quinn is as skilled as we, even more so!
Afterward he goes up to her to congratulate her and hears Mahdi's question, he nods along and waits for a reply, hoping for the best.
Ami stands transfixed as the bard sing the song.
Such lovely notes. Singing!
Ami smiles and blushes (not that you can see either under his scarf) as he begins to realize that *he* was part of the story...and his deeds are being told in song! He listens to what he thinks is the most beautiful and heroic song ever sung about a halfling, a cat, and another halfling.
When the song ends, Ami cheers loudly and requests it again.
"Again! AGAIN!!"
Otah nods to Aldebert as he approaches. "A room, a bed, A desk, A weapons rack, an armor rack and hearty ale. As well as some wide-open space to train in. I'm a simple dwarf."
"I have some gold to contribute to your cause, if my tenancy requires upkeep."
Otah watches Quinn's performance with his jaw askew. Wowwww...... "Talented one, that woman."
She shakes her head ever so slightly. Taking a bow a single tear drops to the floor from Quinn's cheek. Quickly, but gracefully she exits the common house.
Pent's eyes transfix on the scarves, while his ears fixate on Quinn's words. He takes it all in, sorting the music and the imagery like books in a library, hoping that he might return to their inspirations at a later time. He applauds heartily, then leans back in his chair, balancing precariously while the others praise Quinn for her storytelling.
His chair comes down hard, as he watches Quinn lose her words, and shed a tear. He doesn't need words to sort out that Quinn's brother is not better. Words wouldn't be welcome anyways. He pulls his hat from his head out of respect, then puts it back on when she leaves.
After Quinn has left, Aldebert shakes his head.
"I guess he's not doing well. I wonder if there's anything we can do to help? She seems to not want comfort just now."
Over the next day or so, he'll inquire around the town about Quinn's brother. Surely someone must know the story.
Pent makes sure that every ounce of Sarah's Soothe has been used at the conclusion of each day. He minds the energies of the prayer beads, making it quite clear throughout Kelmarane that any seeking to remove blindness, deafness, or disease come find him out, or send him word, so he may put the bead's blessing to use.
At the end of his days, he makes sure to reserve a couple of clenches for the Manor's gnoll hunters, should they run into more than little scrapes. Before resting his head, Pent thanks Sarah for giving him the duty to bring her Light to those in need. He commits himself nightly to giving thanks.
Aldebert makes a point of meeting the priest and paladin when they come to town, and relating to them the story of Quinn and her brother. He offers to pay whatever fee there may be (within reason of course!) to set things right.
Mahdi is markedly less concerned than the others about Quinn and her brother. If she won't even ask them directly for further help, then it's none of his problem! Observe his flounce!
He does pay a visit to Almah, though. He tells her a... slightly edited version of their thrilling fight in the depths of the temple. And by slightly-edited, we mean he leaves out his staring into space and gibbering blindly.
Making the manor home.
As the days pass Fredrick situates himself in the manor. Simple fare is always warm and ready at sunrise. After a few weeks the market eggs are slowly supplemented by the chickens he has begun to raise. Bread is baked fresh. Lunch is typically cured meats, hard cheese, and bread from the morning - something easy for everyone to take with them if they have errands for the day. Though dinner isn't as extensive as the banquet, it is always good. The alternating of soups, stews, and meats seems to provide both variety and keep costs in check.
Merchants and the church.
By the third month many merchants have arrived. Though most seem to have brought goods with them, it is clear that they are awaiting further trade to fully stock their wares. What cannot be bought can sometimes be made. Likewise, though repairs on the church continue a cleric and paladin arrive to oversee the operations and tend to the growing number of people moving into the area. The paladin Fayar wears loose white silks over his armor in the noonday sun while Sahba the cleric seems to keep her clothing practical.
Pent spends Fredrick's first week at his side, before and after he's spent his time with Almah and Garavel. He engages Fredrick in conversation when Fredrick initiates it, but otherwise enjoys silently observing the man go about his beginning-of-day and end-of-day routines. When the first week has passed, Pent stops shadowing the man and lets him be.
...
When Fayar and Sahba come to town, Pent makes his mandatory meet-and-greet with the two of them, and comes into his first application of his Sleeves of Many Garments.
While he talks to Fayar, he wills his SarahLeaves to mimic the man's white silks. When he immediately turns to Sahba, his garments mimic hers in their practicality.
"You are a welcome sight in Sarah's Light! We've heard tell that your arrival was all but guaranteed, and I'm glad to see that it's come to be. I've been attending to light healing matters, and would gladly continue to assist whenever I can, but the town won't run itself, and I've a mind to help Almah see things done, so I half don't apologize for not attending to the church functions as much, and I'm half glad you're here so I can rest easier at night, knowing that another hand of Hers is in town, making the work lighter for all involved."
...
Pent seems to have a new, bountiful wardrobe. Each day, he leaves for Almah's, wearing quite suitable attire for his administrative duties, but they're never the same set of clothes.
Pent is wearing only his underwear and a bolo-tie. And of course, his hat.
Merchants and the church.
Likewise, though repairs on the church continue a cleric and paladin arrive to oversee the operations and tend to the growing number of people moving into the area. The paladin Fayar wears loose white silks over his armor in the noonday sun while Sahba the cleric seems to keep her clothing practical.
Ami runs to find Aldebert, a look of concern and panic on his face.
"Brother! BROTHER!" Ami small little legs carry him as fast as he can go towards his brother, eventually skidding to a halt before Aldebert's accounting desk.
"There are people in *my* church! I've been working on it for a long time! It's mine! I mean, ours!! We've been working on it!!" Ami seems very distraught.
Pent opens his mouth several times, slightly less frequently than a fish gasping for breath outside of water, but he finds himself thinking that arguing is not what is needed when responding to Garavel. He allows the robe to be donned, muting the magic of his Sarahleaves.
"Please convey my contentedness with this garment. I shall wear it with pride. I'll simply need a little calibration when understanding exactly when I'm on official business. Ayup. Does it come with ceremonial undergarments as well? I think it should come with ceremonial undergarments."
Ami runs to find Aldebert, a look of concern and panic on his face.
"Brother! BROTHER!" Ami small little legs carry him as fast as he can go towards his brother, eventually skidding to a halt before Aldebert's accounting desk.
"There are people in *my* church! I've been working on it for a long time! It's mine! I mean, ours!! We've been working on it!!" Ami seems very distraught.
"Ami, isn't the church for everyone? Do you really want to be tied to it, spending all your days administering to the people instead of ranging outward killing gnolls?"
"They are here to help, to make the church even better than we can do - for after all we cannot do everything. Do you want me to introduce you to the new folks?"
"Ami, isn't the church for everyone? Do you really want to be tied to it, spending all your days administering to the people instead of ranging outward killing gnolls?"
Ami blinks, stunned by the crystal clear logic. Not that one could see it from under his scarf, but his mouth opens as if to speak, but then stops.
"Do you want me to introduce you to the new folks?"
Ami nods.
Pent renews his conversation with Kalyx, especially with regards to her finest product.
"Kalyx, you minx, where's the little box? Are we ready to pay the piper?" The gnome ribs the woman with his bony elbow. He pats his crotch, and the sound of coin can be heard jingling.
"Do you want me to introduce you to the new folks?"Ami nods.
Aldebert and his brother head down to the church not long after the new priest and paladin arrive so as to introduce themselves properly. He begins with himself naturally, but quickly introduces his brother.
"...and so this is my brother Amiamble. He has done much to restore the church over the last couple months to the state it's in now. He feels a sense of ownership, you understand, and so would like to be included in any plans you may have for the future." He smiles warmly at the newcomers, certain they can find common ground.
Amiamble peeps out from over his brother's shoulder, using his tippy-toes to examine the new cleric and paladin.
He says nothing, but hopes that the new Sarenraens are the good kind,
Garavel nods, "No undergarments. It appears you have those. The robe only needs to be worn when here conducting business with Alamah, thought I'd suggest fashioning something more fitting if we have another official dinner."
Pent squints at Kalyx, not liking the part where he's not being presented with the rare pho pesh dangled before his eyes, lo these couple of days.
"Triple now, you say?? That's quite uncomfortable, especially if we're planning on a long and healthy relationship trading money for refined. You're implying that you have buyers locally who will easily pay what you already promised me, so I have to substitute letters when I discuss 'fink' instead of 'minx'. Perhaps you better show me how one goes about greasing wheels." Pent makes it clear that in this situation, he is the official requiring greasing.
Pent returns in an agitated state from his visit to the Battle Market. He settles down soon enough, heading straight to his desk, and beginning an accounting of any word regarding the newly installed management of his the pesh fields.
Pent grouses in futility as he returns to the Manor without his pho pesh in hand.
** spoiler@Alde&Ami**
Ami leans to whisper in Alde's ear.
"Maybe they aren't so bad. They just shouldn't have been here, I thought. But now you know them, maybe they aren't so bad."
Ami just nods at the lady, letting his brother do the talking to the strangers.
He turns to Fayar and adds, "I have a few scrolls I'd love to have you craft when you have the time. Shall we get together, perhaps over dinner, and discuss it?"
Ami nods at the two, making his own quiet introduction and as a way to show acceptance.
He whispers in his brother's ear again.
"Don't forget to tell them about Yeen. Yeen has slain many gnolls for Sarenrae! Tell them...they must know that the Sun shines upon him."
"This is Yeen's church too. The Sun shines upon him as well...and within too. You remember Vardishal, do you not, Brother? Vardishal and Yeen must be welcome here."
One afternoon while Otah is training outside the manor, a wealthy looking merchant stops to admire the dwarf's skill. He sends his hired hand to inquire about the warrior's obligations.
He tries to commiserate with Fayer, "Yes, I don't like writing scrolls myself. Never learned the knack. Please let me know if there is anything I may do for you at anytime. We're all friends here."
With that he leaves them to the church and continues his other work for the first quarter.
Mahdi struts walks around town conspicuously displaying his ring-and-therefore-hand-on-fire. Still, he does manage to get a little work done too, mostly copying the spells from the pillar of Nethys, and showing Father Zastoran, the halfling priest of Nethys that came with Almah's caravan, to the ruined temple of magic as well. Nethys is not a god widely worshiped like Saranrae, his clerics being far fewer, but Mahdi does idly wonder what this place might be like if the worshipers of the arcane were to congregate here again...
No matter. He does stop in at the stables on one trip home, looking for their rat-boy stablehand.
"No more trouble with evil voices in the sky, eh?"
Ami clasps his brother on the back for asking about Yeen, grateful. Satisfied that the two Sarenraens won't be trouble and won't bother Yeen, Ami smiles gratefully and goes back to whatever work he was doing (I assume liberal use of brooms and the mending spell. He will call upon Yeen for the heavy lifting.)
Ami spends his happy days running in the sun, hunting gnolls, and working in the church.
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Pent bounds about Mahdi, as the wizard offers to craft such a wonderful thing as the fire-not-quite-fire ring for one of the others. "I be 'one-of-you'! Ooo ooo ooo!!! Please let me be the one of us three that receives your unbelievably sweet imbuing!!"
Pent snatches up the new ring, and claps it between his hands, watching the light snuff out, then come back to life. Close-open. Close...open. He looks up at Mahdi, with eyes shining from the light of the fire. "This is... thank you, Maddie!! I've never quite appreciated how talented you are, until this very moment. I know you're talented, it's just the 'how' of it. This fire doesn't burn! But it looks like it should, but it doesn't. But my eyes tell me it should, so I almost feel my skin asking my eyes if they should feel anything right now, since they can feel the eyes on them assuming that the skin should be quite uncomfortable at the moment, tickling the back of my head to keep confirming that the skin is quite the opposite of uncomfortable with regards to the presence of fire. It's... amazing. Really amazing..."
The gnome hugs the man at the waist, briefly, as if he understands that Mahdi might tense if held too long, and as if the gnome is already wishing the hug were over, since there are far better places to be with the new ring in toe.
...
Pent finds his way into the kitchen, searching about for something choice to eat. If Fredrick isn't present, Pent departs, returning and remaining only when Fredrick is indeed present.
Sniffing towards the foodstuffs, Pent bounds over to the stew simmering. Finding a spoon, Pent helps himself to a heavy sip. He chews a bit, humming to himself in contemplation, before he begins waving his hands briskly in front of his mouth.
Turning to Fredrick, he opens his eyes in alarm, before opening his mouth, revealing a mouthful of flames. He argles loudly, dropping the spoon, and running from the kitchen at an unholy speed.
...
Pent finds his way into the stable, searching about for the ratboy hard at work. If ratboy isn't present, Pent departs, returning and remaining only when ratboy is indeed present.
Wandering about the horses, and their water buckets, Pent shuffles his feet and makes braying noises, while praising the beautiful coats of the horses and the interesting coloration of the gecko. His shuffling gets more aggressive, as he starts to ooo and uhhh a little more. He stops shuffling, and starts hopping about, before pulling violently at his boot.
Pulling the boot off, his foot erupting in fire, Pent hops over to a water bucket, plunging the foot into the water to quench the burn. He closes his eyes, sighing in relief, before pulling his foot back out. When the foot emerges, still afire, he immediately reinserts the foot, while picking up his boot. The third time removing his foot becomes the final time, as Pent looks down, opening his eyes in alarm, and bellows in pain while running from the stables at an unholy speed.
...
Pent quickly realizes that he needs to get his fire fix on early in the week, before word has reasonably spread that his faux fire is harmless enough. He hits up Almah's office first, rifling through his paperwork for a couple of hours, before leaning over, slipping on the ring, and casually renewing his rifling. If and when he catches Garavel's and/or Almah's attentions, he continues his work ignoring any inquiries about his hand on fire, scritching his forehead with his immolated index finger and looking at them as if they were heat-touched.
...
Pent saunters through the Battle Market, finding the loveliest lady he can, and stopping to smile and comment on her beauty. He shifts his balance from foot to foot, shyly, while inquiring as to her duties and business in Kelmarane. He tugs at his shirt collar, relieving himself of a light perspiration, and starts to look to and fro awkwardly as the conversation continues. He raises his hand abruptly, interrupting her. The gnome reaches down to pull at his waist strings, and fire erupts from his loins. He snaps the strings back, and politely excuses himself without another word, running from the Battle Market at an unholy speed.
...
Over time, Pent finds himself acutely aware of the rate of influx to Kelmarane, as he encounters his share of rolled eyeballs from the folk who now know his fire ring trick. He preys on the unwitting new arrivals of Kelmarane when the opportunities arise, however infrequent.
Mahdi sighs. It's Pent. Of course it's Pent. Still.... can't go reneging now... "Yes, yes, I'll make you your ring..."
Unless Pent provides him a fancier one, Mahdi settles for a plain copper ring to enchant. One gnome-hug later, and Mahdi wonders if he is doomed to collect hugs from half-sized individuals for the rest of his life.
Mahdi returns to his various studies. If these studies involve researching a way to make one of his continual flame spells suddenly harmful, wellllll..... that would be telling.